Thunderstorms can bring us some beneficial rain, but they can also be dangerous. Fire starts, gusty outflow winds, and flash flooding are the main risks we see from thunderstorms in Northern Nevada. Some storms can produce more rain than others, but the challenge is to get the rain core lined up perfectly with the lightning itself. Thunderstorms can also produce gusting outflow winds, spreading out in a variety of directions, allowing fires to spread rapidly and change direction. Flash flooding can also be a concern, especially over burn scars leading to debris flows.
There are three different stages within a thunderstorm's life. The first stage is the cumulus stage, when the air rises forming a puffy cumulus cloud. As the cloud grows, it develops an updraft and a downdraft. This is the mature stage of the thunderstorm, when the storm is capable of large hail, strong winds, and a tornado. Tornadoes are rare in Nevada. The final stage is called the dissipating stage, when the updraft is cut off by the downdraft, and only cold air or rain rushes out of the cloud.
A storm has to either have 58mph wind speeds, including gusts, or quarter size hail for a Severe Thunderstorm Warning to be issued. A storm is automatically considered severe if there are any indications of tornadic activity. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued prior to a warning, and gives you a heads up that severe weather is possible. The ingredients are there but it hasn't happened yet. This is the time to think of a plan incase a warning is issued and you have to seek shelter immediately. A warning is issued when it is happening.
Thunderstorm clouds can be very tall, especially if they are severe. Storms are typically weaker and shorter in Northern Nevada, normally ranging from 25,000-35,000 feet in size. Storm clouds can be 60,000 feet tall when severe weather is present, mainly in places like Oklahoma. Supercells and and dangerous weather is very likely in storms of this height. Our storms are typically weaker, shorter in size and duration. A tall thunderstorm with a strong updraft and downdraft can last a long time.
